Used Nissan Note 2006 – 2013 review

The Nissan Note is only slightly longer than conventional small hatchbacks such as the Fiat Punto and Peugeot 207, yet it feels much roomier inside and has plenty of space for four adults.

Its boxy shape, high roofline and upright seating all play their part. And there are plenty of useful storage cubbies dotted around the car to add to the practicality. However, while many drivers will appreciate the slightly elevated driving position, it won’t suit everyone because the steering wheel doesn’t adjust for reach.

The dashboard is a little uninspiring, too, with dark plastics dominating. But it feels well made and the controls are all well laid out and easy to use.

In the back, the seats can be slid back and forth to maximise either rear leg room or boot space. And higher-spec versions come with a false boot floor, which lets you divide up the space and leaves a long, flat load area when the rear seats are folded down.

Despite its tall body, the Note remains stable when cornering, while accurate steering also ensures it handles well on twisty roads. Unfortunately, you pay for its composure with a slightly firm low-speed ride; potholes and speed bumps can thump through the car.

Wind and road noise are well contained at motorway speeds. However, the petrol engines get rather boomy.

Prices for the first-generation Nissan Note range from about £1500 for an early petrol car that has covered more than 100,000 miles, to about £8,000 for a 2013 1.6 auto with 10,500 miles on the clock.

Our favourite Note is the 1.6-litre manual in Acenta trim, and a low mileage 2011 example will cost about £6,000 from a franchised dealer.

The two petrol engines are both reasonably economical, with the 1.4-litre returning 44.8mpg and the 1.6-litre 42.8mpg. Alternatively, there's a 1.5-litre diesel, which initially managed 55.4mpg, but this was improved to 62.8mpg when the Note was updated in mid-2008.

Thanks to CO2 emissions of just 118g/km, the post-update diesel Note also qualifies for £30-a-year road tax.

True, insurance isn’t particularly cheap, with the Note sitting in bands 10 to 16, but servicing costs are comparable to its main rivals’.

The 1.4-litre petrol engine feels underpowered and is best avoided if you regularly drive out of town, whereas the 1.6 offers respectable performance if you rev it.

Similarly, the 102bhp diesel feels much stronger than the 85bhp; it's the best real-world option if you are a high-miler. However, it was dropped after 2008 and the 85bhp version improved.

No matter which engine you choose, a five-speed manual gearbox is standard. If you want the car to do the shifting for you, then you’ll have to go for the 1.6-litre petrol, which was available with the option of a four-speed automatic.

Early Notes were offered in S, SE and SVE trims, but this was changed in mid-2008 to Visia, Acenta and Tekna. The S/Visia models come with electric front windows and a CD player, while SE/Acenta cars add air-conditioning, alloy wheels and electric rear windows. The range-topping SVE/Tekna Notes come with climate control, parking sensors, automatic wipers and a CD multichanger.

Our favourite used Nissan Note: 1.6 Acenta

The Note’s main rival is the second-generation Honda Jazz. Introduced in 2008, it is even more spacious, with cleverer rear seats, although the Note has a more forgiving ride.

If it’s something slightly larger that you’re after, then the Citroen C3 Picasso is worth considering. Launched in 2009, the Picasso has funky styling, an airy interior and a smooth ride, while visibility is excellent. However, it’s reliability record isn’t as good as the Note’s.

Alternatively, you might want to consider a high-riding hatchback, such as the Renault Captur. This looks like a small off-roader, despite only coming with front-wheel-drive, and combines its eye-catching kerb appeal with a modern interior, clean engines and good road manners.

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